Caterpillar defence. Aggressive posture of the larva of the \puss moth\" Cerura vinula. Although a green body with white spots camouflages this caterp

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Caterpillar defence. Aggressive posture of the larva of the \puss moth\" Cerura vinula. Although a green body with white spots camouflages this caterpillar among leaves on which it feeds, it can defend itself from predators. When disturbed (seen here) Cerura vinula displays false black eyes on a red facial hood. Its head thus appears larger. Cerura also takes on an aggressive intimidation posture. Two fork-like tentacles at the end of its abdomen are extended over its back, and red tubules are pushed out from the tips which carry a sharp-smelling odour. This caterpillar can also squirt formic acid from a gland on its body."

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Size: 3507px × 2419px
Photo credit: © CLAUDE NURIDSANY & MARIE PERENNOU/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: animal, camouflage, caterpillar, cerura, defence, insect, insecta, intimidation, invertebrate, invertebrates, moth, nature, puss, type, vinula, wildlife, zoology